Weekly Top 10: June 15-21, 2024

This week’s top 10 reader favorites include Ryan Madora’s “Keep It Groovy” lesson, focusing on the great Duck Dunn, and Paul Thompson’s “From the Bottom” column, where he breaks down the great covers of Prince’s “I Feel For You.”

It also includes news of Acoustic Hot Tuna hitting the road, new albums by Black Country Communion, Mr. Big, Paul McCartney, and Avery Sharpe, new music from Shavo Odadjian’s Seven Hours After Violet, a great new video by Julia Hofer and the Bass of the Week.

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1. Julia Hofer: “Night Fever” Bass Cover and Transcription

Julia Hofer is back with another play-along video. This time around, she grabs a P-bass with flats and a pick, and takes on The Bee Gees’ “Night Fever.”

2. Bass of the Week: Belforti Instruments M3

This week, we’re checking out a stunning bass from the Paris-based manufacturer Belforti Instruments. This Model 3 from the M Series features an incredible one-piece flamed eucalyptus top over its roasted ash body.

3. Play Bass Like Duck Dunn: “Down In The Valley” by Otis Redding

In this lesson, we do our best Duck Dunn impression and learn the bass line to the Otis Redding classic, “Down In The Valley.”

4. Hot Tuna Announces Acoustic Summer Tour

Acoustic Hot Tuna is setting out on another tour across the U.S. this summer, stretching from July to October. The masterful duo of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady have been playing together for seven decades, and the bond has only deepened.

5. Blues-Rock Supergroup Black Country Communion Releases “V”

Rock supergroup Black Country Communion has returned with their fifth studio album, “V.” The record continues their blend of British blues-rock and American soul, with former Deep Purple member Glenn Hughes delivering top-notch vocals and bass lines.

6. Mr. Big Announces Tenth Album, “Ten”

Mr. Big has been winding down ever since the loss of drummer Pat Torpey. However, they clearly still have something to say as they’ve announced a new album called “Ten” that will be released on July 12th.

7. Paul McCartney Opens the Wings Archives for “One Hand Clapping”

A new piece of Paul McCartney’s archives has been unveiled fifty years after it was created. In August 1974, the former Beatle and his band Wings went to Abbey Road Studios to film a documentary and record a live studio album that never made the cut. That project has now gotten an official release as “One Hand Clapping.”

8. Breaking Down the Great Covers of Prince’s “I Feel For You”

Summer school is officially in session. So I’m handing out grades for five different takes on Prince’s “I Feel For You” from 1979-1984.

9. Shavo Odadjian Reveals New Music from Seven Hours After Violet

System of a Down’s Shavo Odadjian has been working with some side projects over the past few years, and after months of teasing we get to hear some of it. He’s just released the first single with his latest band, Seven Hours After Violet (S.H.A.V.).

10. Avery Sharpe Releases Double Quartet Album, “I Am My Neighbors Keeper”

Bassist, composer, and bandleader Avery Sharpe has released a new album called “I Am My Neighbors Keeper.” During our turbulent times, Sharpe composed the set of music as a reminder to come together and help each other out.